Advantages of pneumatic system : 1.Easily available air - The working medium used by pneumatic system is easily and freely available everywhere. 2.Neat and clean system - Due to air being working medium the system is very neat and clean (as compared to oil in hydraulics) this advantage makes it highly applicable in food processing industries. Where neatness and cleanliness is of prime importance. 3.Explosion proof characteristic of air – This characteristic of air makes the pneumatic system more applicable in hazardous area. 4.Air is easily transportable under pressure through common pipings. 5.Pneumatic elements are simpler and easier to operate. The pneumatic valves can be easily operated without applying much force. 6.Pneumatic system requires no reservoir, return line, complex filtering etc. hence, system is simple and light in weight. 7.Pneumatic systems are easier and quicker to maintain. 8.Pneumatic system has lower initial and operating costs.
Limitation of pneumatic system : On the limitation side the major limitations are operating pressure and accuracy in motion of the pneumatic system. 1) Pressure is limited: The pneumatic system can be used up-to maximum pressure of 8 to 10 bar, is very less as compared to 400 to 500 bar of hydraulic system 2) Accuracy of positioning: Due to the compressible nature of air, highly reliable and accurate motions can not be obtained, as that obtained by the hydraulic system. 3) Pressurized air storage In pneumatics air should be compressed and kept under pressure at all times even there is no load on the system where as in hydraulics pressure is developed due to external load.